This report from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) presents the study results of interviews and focus groups to explore how the opioid crisis is uniquely affecting diverse Appalachian communities, and to identify effective content and messaging strategies that Appalachian community-based organizations can use to support opioid misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery

After describing the key findings of the impact of the opioid crisis on Appalachian communities and attitudes towards people with opioid use disorder (OUD), the report provides specific communication strategies that communities can use to educate the general public, reduce stigma, and prevent opioid misuse and OUD.